Sarah, admittedly, was rather nervous.
It had been nearly a week since their gathering around the fire, and while managing their hangovers the next day—the base was in fact abuzz about the courtship.
Word had spread quickly. Many thought it was just a rumor, until they saw Alder approach Tally, exchange silent words, and part with a tender kiss.
Alder had begun overseeing their combat training, but she had been busy most of her days preparing things for Nicte's inevitable 'execution.' She was trying to buy as much time as possible so that they could organize a plan to draw out the Camarilla.
In the meantime though, Sarah had undertaken a personal mission that she had kept Tally in the dark about. She felt guilty keeping such a thing from her, but she owed this to her.
She shifted side to side on her feet, glancing back at her biddies who all offered her reassuring smiles.
Then she knocked on the door, stepped back, and squared her shoulders in preparation.
The door opened, and a surprised gasp left the woman's lips.
"May Craven," Sarah greeted. "May I have a moment of your time?"
"Is Tally okay?" May asked, tears already welling in her eyes.
"Tally is perfectly fine," Sarah assured quickly.
May nodded, accepting that, and then fixed her with a cold but curious gaze. She stepped back, extending her arm to usher Sarah inside.
The biddies remained on the porch as she and May made their way to the living room. Sarah stopped, taking in the photos of Tally on the walls. There were obviously more now than in the memory—and she couldn't help the fond smile that bloomed on her face. Tally growing through the years was easily one of the most adorable things Sarah could see. Especially the ones with her beaming; smile wide; baby teeth missing; dimples prominent. She chuckled fondly at that photo.
"To what do I owe this visit?" May asked.
Sarah could hear the edge in her voice.
"I came to speak to you about Tally," Sarah replied, eyes shifting from the photos to May. "I know that you disapprove of Tally's decision to join the army."
May scoffed.
"What is done is done. You were granted a dispensation for her, and she said the words anyway. She is bound by law and magic," Sarah said seriously, allowing that to sink in a moment. "I also know that you especially disapprove of me…"
May was confused. "What does this have to do with Tally?"
"Everything," Sarah said softly. "Are you aware of what a songmate is?"
May's eyes widened—confusion fell over her, before slow realization appeared in her gaze.
"No."
Sarah sighed, but nodded.
"Tally has a songmate…and her songmate is you?" she asked incredulously.
"Yes."
May took a seat on the couch, clearly floored by the news.
"I know that you and Tally haven't spoken since before she accompanied me to the Tarim," she explained. "Much has happened in that time, and I can feel how much it pains Tally that you aren't supportive of her choice to serve…as well as the dread she has been feeling at the thought of telling you about us."
"How long?" May asked, voice tight.
"A few months now. I can show you, if you would like."
"Link with you?" she asked with a cold laugh.
"I'm not here as General Alder," Sarah told her sincerely. She quickly undid her jacket, removing it, and neatly folding it before setting it off to the side. She hoped the gesture would show her sincerity. "I'm here as Sarah. I love your daughter. I would do absolutely anything to keep her safe, including sacrificing my life for her."
May didn't believe her—she could see that much. But there was a bit of something in her eyes that Sarah couldn't place that gave her hope.
She simply held out her hand.
After a few moments of tense silence, May extended a shaky hand to rest in Sarah's.
She wasted no time and pulled her in. She showed her everything that happened in the Tarim, including her conversations with Tally. She made a point to allow May to feel all the complex emotions that had been going through Sarah every step of the way. They watched Tally's sacrifice to become a biddy, the loss of Collar and Bellweather, Sarah's offer to give Tally her life back, the reunion of the unit, the severing, the ache the severance left in her, seeking Tally out, fighting her feelings…everything. The only things she kept to herself were the most intimate moments between herself and Tally. Sarah's request to court Tally was shown, as well as the braid and beads, then the discovery of their bond, the elation they both felt, the love that poured through them every waking moment, the beginning of their date, the announcement to the Imperatrix, Sarah's defense of Tally and hers of Sarah…their happiness with each other.
When the link ended, May was looking at Sarah with watering eyes.
"You…you really do love her," May whispered.
Sarah offered her a watery smile. "More than anything else in this world. Tally is…everything. I don't have the words to describe it."
May shook her head. "No need, I could feel it. As well as hers for you."
Sarah smiled softly and wiped her eyes.
"Does Tally know you came here?" May asked, sounding hurt that her daughter hadn't come.
Sarah shook her head. "No. When Tally first told me about your disapproval and the anguish she felt by it, I had made the decision to reach out to you. I know your issues with the Army and myself are well founded. You were right to worry for your daughter's safety. I cannot blame you for wanting her to take the dispensation like you did…especially as Tally is the last of the Craven line."
May nodded.
"But again, what is done is done. Tally is easily one of the finest soldiers I have ever served with. She is exceptionally talented and damn near ruthless in her pursuit of truth and what she feels is right." A fond smile played on Sarah's lips. "This is where things are, and where they will stay. Your choice is whether you want to be a part of it…and I know that Tally desperately wants you to be a part of it."
May remained silent a few moments before she wiped at the tears that began to fall down her face.
Alder pressed on, "The holiday will be approaching soon. Yule is only a few weeks away, and we always have an open house policy for the families of the soldiers. I know that Tally would be thrilled if you attended," she explained. "I'll personally have you flown out."
May took a deep breath. "You really mean all of this, don't you?"
Sarah nodded. "I love her with all that I am. Her happiness is incredibly important."
They held each other's gaze for a few moments before May nodded slowly.
"I'll be there."
Sarah smiled warmly and chuckled delightedly. "I'll make the preparations. More than likely I will tell Tally when I return. I feel guilty not telling her I was coming in the first place and I doubt I could keep it a secret. So if you get a phone call tonight…"
May chuckled softly and nodded in understanding.
"I know that there will still be things to work through with all of this," Sarah said thoughtfully. "But please, keep an open mind for any of it. She misses you terribly."
May once again nodded her agreement before Sarah took her leave. When she stepped out onto the porch and the door shut behind her, she released a breath.
She led the biddies back to the plane, hoping that the return trip wouldn't take too long.
Sarah had been missing for the whole day. Tally hadn't seen her since she sent her off this morning, and she was starting to get worried. Especially since it was now well past dinner. She had reached out for her, confused when Sarah continued to give her short answers that carried, well—a weight with them.
It was making her nervous and her stomach was twisting up in knots.
"What's wrong?" Raelle asked as Tally brooded from her old bed.
She had already moved all of her belongings into Sarah's room, and was currently hanging with her unit, studying, to distract herself.
"Yeah, you're brooding and that's odd," Abigail said pointedly.
Tally sighed. "I haven't seen Sarah all day, and every time I've reached out she's given me some bullshit excuse."
Abigail smiled softly. "Tal, you're dating the General of the Armed Forces."
"I know," Tally groaned. "I know…this is different. There's always an explanation, a valid one. These…they feel…guilty…like she's lying to me."
Raelle arched an eyebrow. "I doubt that. Alder doesn't lie to you, and I actually believe that. You guys are nauseatingly open with each other."
"Seriously," Abigail concurred.
Tally ground her teeth before snapping finally. "Then why does it feel like she's lying to me?"
Raelle and Abigail shared a look. They hadn't seen Tally this upset since before her and Alder started dancing around each other. Something was definitely up.
"Any idea where she is?" Raelle asked carefully.
Tally shook her head. "She said she was busy off base all day. She's been gone since before breakfast. She kissed me goodbye and headed out for her day. No one has seen her or even has an idea where she is."
"No one?" Abigail pressed.
"I even hounded Amber," Tally groused.
"Maybe she has a surprise for you?" Raelle suggested. "She seems like she'd do something like that."
Tally shrugged. "Maybe."
"It's really eating at you, huh," Abs said softly as she sat down next to Tally, putting an arm around her.
Tally nodded, a tear sliding down her cheek.
She felt Sarah reach out then, and in her irritation slapped it away—closing the link.
"She just reached out," Tally muttered.
"And?" Rae questioned.
"I closed the connection off."
"Tal."
"I'm mad!" Tally exclaimed. "We don't lie to each other. Period. She's keeping something from me…something she feels guilty about."
"Tal," Abigail broached cautiously, "you don't think she's cheating on you or something do you?" She didn't believe that for a second…but Tally was pretty worked up.
"No. I don't know," Tally breathed. Her heart broke at the thought. She was working herself up even more. She pulled her knees to her chest and buried her head there. Sniffling quietly. "Maybe I'm just being hormonal."
"I'll kick her ass," Rae told Tally as she joined them on the bed, on the other side of Tally.
"Thanks," Tally said.
Then the door slammed open, drawing all three pairs of eyes to the intruder. Sarah's blue eyes were filled with panic as she met Tally's red-rimmed ones.
"I was with your mother," Sarah breathed in a rush as she stepped in and shut the door behind her.
When she felt Tally's pain through the bond, they had just arrived back on base. She had expected to find her in their room, but when Tally closed the connection and she wasn't where she thought…Sarah had all but run to the dorms—her biddies bitching the whole time that she was running too fast.
"What?" Tally asked, clearly floored. She wiped at her eyes as Sarah closed the distance between them.
Sarah dropped to her knees, taking Tally's hands in hers. The moment the connection opened, Sarah sent the memory straight through.
Tally's mouth dropped, eyes searching Sarah's as the memory ended.
"That's where I was all day. I felt guilty for not telling you I was going…but I needed to do that for you and us. I wanted it to be a surprise but I knew I wouldn't be able to hold it in if you suspected anything…which isn't shocking that you did. I am sorry," Sarah explained in a rush.
She brought Tally's hands to her lips and kissed them softly, pouring as much love and reassurance through the bond as she could. She caught the underlying worry that Sarah was cheating—which rocked Sarah to the core. She hadn't realized how long Tally had been worrying all day.
"Never, ever," she urged through the bond.
Tally finally felt like she could breathe, and then had tears in her eyes for an entirely different reason. Her mom knew now, and she was accepting it…and coming to the base for Yule. She was grateful that Sarah did that, since Tally had been unable to get through to her mother every time she tried.
"I'm sorry," Tally breathed out, shaking her head and suddenly ashamed she allowed her own fears to cloud her judgement.
"No, sweetheart," Sarah soothed, standing and pulling Tally up with her so she could wrap her in her arms. "You have nothing to apologize for."
Tally tucked her head against Sarah's neck, in her favorite spot—breathing her earthy scent in and feeling her body relax.
"I offered to fight you," Raelle told Alder with a sheepish smile.
Sarah chuckled, her hands running up and down Tally's back soothingly. "I appreciate that, Collar."
"Welcome, ma'am," Rae replied with a smirk.
"Go have make up sex," Abigail told them both.
Tally whipped her head to look at Abigail, blushing furiously as Sarah merely chuckled. Her arm wrapped around Tally's waist and she turned to lead her from the room. She glanced back at the two cadets and nodded her thanks before they departed.
They walked in silence the rest of the way—with Tally leaning into Sarah's embrace and basking in her presence.
When they finally made it to their room and laid down on the bed—Tally having requested to cuddle for a bit—Alder finally spoke.
"I'm sorry for keeping it from you," Sarah apologized softly. Her forehead pressed against Tally's, their breathing syncing.
"I'm thrilled that you talked to her. I shouldn't have doubted you. Just because you disappeared for the day and felt guilty…I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions. I'm sorry."
"It's alright, my love," Sarah urged seriously. "Tally, look at me."
When Tally's brown met her blue, she stroked her cheek lovingly.
"Darling, it's understandable. We haven't spent so long not communicating through the bond…even when I've been incredibly busy. I didn't trust myself to keep the connection open without you knowing what I was up to. It was sort of going to be a surprise Yule present."
Tally chuckled softly and kissed her. "I love you. Thank you…I just…I can't believe she agreed."
"Well, showing her everything was rather helpful. Otherwise, I don't believe she would have believed it at all."
Tally nodded her agreement. "I love you." She kissed Sarah again. "I love you." Another kiss.
Sarah's hands tangled in auburn locks, keeping her close and capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. They were content to caress each other for the time being, slowly building the heat between them until they were breathless and aching. Sarah quickly shrugged Tally's jacket from her, tossing it on the floor before doing the same with her shirt—as Tally intermittently worked on Sarah's belt and undid her pants.
Finally, they were both bare and Sarah rolled them over so Tally was pinned to the mattress.
"I have one other surprise," Sarah murmured into their kiss.
Tally hummed with curiosity as Sarah pulled back and left the bed. She walked to one of their drawers, rummaging through it until she pulled out a strapless dildo.
Tally's eyes darkened impossibly further as Sarah approached with the item. She made no move to put it on, waiting for Tally to finish taking stock of it—licking her lips and giving Sarah a frantic nod.
She wasted no time, moaning slightly as it slipped inside easily before she crawled back onto the bed, kissing Tally's neck and nipping her witch mark.
Tally moaned breathlessly, arching up into Sarah's ministrations. She groaned when she felt Sarah settle between her legs, the length of the toy brushing her just a little.
Sarah kissed down her neck, licking, biting, and sucking marks onto the skin as she descended down Tally's chest. She teased her nipples until Tally was bucking up into her—descending further until her mouth was at her center. She licked up her slit, moaning at the taste of her as she slid her arms underneath Tally's thighs—holding her against her mouth as she ate her out.
Tally was panting and moaning, bucking into Sarah's face as she felt her wetness against the General's chin. She was thinking that she would only be eating her out to get her ready, but it seemed she was determined to make Tally cum first.
Tally's breath hitched as Sarah sucked her clit, then alternated with precise strokes. She could feel her orgasm coiling in her belly, and Sarah's eyes flickered up to Tally's.
"Cum for me, darling," Sarah instructed, maintaining the intense eye contact.
That, and the words sent through the bond were more than enough—and Tally came with a cry; the hand tangled in Sarah's hair was holding her in place as she rode out her orgasm.
Sarah eased her down before she placed soft kisses on the insides of Tally's thighs—content.
"I swear it's more intense each time," Tally said, a little out of breath as she gazed down at Sarah.
Sarah looked up, offering a smug grin that quickly morphed into one of deep affection. "I think that our connection and magic just continues to heighten it. Our sex is quite the power boost."
Tally chuckled, opening her arms for Sarah to collapse into. "You have that right."
Sarah kissed Tally's shoulder, nipping it playfully before placing open mouthed kisses along the smooth collarbone until she met her neck. It was a spot she hadn't marked yet, and she sucked the skin with a moan as Tally bucked up into her—her clit brushing part of the toy.
"Sarah, please," Tally groaned. She was ready to go again already, and she was eager to have both of Sarah's hands free while she fucked her.
"Ask nicely, sweetheart," came the murmured reply against skin.
Tally moaned as the General rolled the pink bud between her fingers before dragging her hand down Tally's side.
"Baby, please fuck me," Tally begged.
Sarah smirked against her skin. She braced herself on her forearm by Tally's head as her other hand reached down to collect Tally's wetness—smearing it over the toy.
"You tell me when to move. I'll go slowly," Sarah said against her lips before she kissed her, and lined the tip up with her songmate's entrance.
A guttural moan echoed in the kiss as Sarah slid the first bit in. She stopped, pulled back to regard Tally as she waited. Tally's eyes met hers and she nodded, which Sarah rewarded with another inch before allowing Tally to adjust. She sucked her bottom lip and lightly bit it before she soothed it with her tongue.
When they broke, Tally moaned out, "More."
She had picked a moderate girth for Tally, and length, knowing that with as wet and easily as Tally took her fingers she would be able to adjust to a little more.
"All of it," Tally whined, her hips canting up with Sarah's so that she slid home. "Fuuuck." It came out as a high pitched whine.
Sarah was buried to the hilt, enough so that she could brush her clit against Tally's when she thrust in.
"Goddess," Sarah moaned shakily as her clit brushed Tally's. She could feel how wet she was as she clenched around the bulb inside her.
She removed her hand from the toy to brace herself fully on top of Tally. She could feel Tally's wetness coating the toy and against her clit, making it very hard for her to keep from moving.
"Please," came Tally's breathy request. She was just as turned on as Sarah was, and she needed her to take her right there.
Sarah's eyes blazed in the low light of the room as she pulled her hips back before thrusting slow and deep into Tally.
"Fuck, Sarah," she cried out as her head pressed harder into the pillow.
Sarah leaned down, sucking Tally's earlobe and biting it before teasing the area around it.
"Now I'll have really claimed you," she murmured in Tally's ear. Her breathing was coming out in short shallow breaths from the dual sensations.
She felt the jolt through the bond, as well as the reflexive thrust up into the toy by Tally, pushing Sarah deeper.
"Yours," Tally moaned out.
Sarah picked up her pace, fucking into Tally so well that she was already close. She could feel Tally holding back her own orgasm, wanting Sarah to fuck her longer.
"Darling, I'm happy to fuck you through the night if that's what you wish," she thought.
Tally's eyes widened as she tangled her hands in Sarah's hair. She pressed their foreheads together and nodded quickly.
So Sarah continued her pace, feeling Tally climbing through the link until she came with a cry so powerful that she had practically created a seed.
She allowed her to ride it out, but as soon as she had Sarah grabbed her wrists—pinning her arms above her head and using them as leverage to fuck her deeper and harder.
Tally was pretty sure she had died with how amazing it felt. The only sounds in the room were their heavy breathing and the sound of the toy sliding in and out of her at a relentless pace—her own mouth open in silent cries.
Tally knew she would be limp after this next orgasm from the way her legs were locked around Sarah's hips, keeping her tight against her.
"Tally," Sarah breathed. Each thrust against Tally rubbed her clit just how she needed, and she was approaching her orgasm quickly.
Tally whimpered, allowing the sensations to wash over her.
With a last thrust, Tally came again—jerking her hips upwards as Sarah followed after her. She released her wrists, sliding her arms beneath Tally's shoulders so their bodies were flush against each other as Sarah rode out her orgasm with short thrusts.
"Fuck. Fuck," Sarah panted, trying to catch her breath.
"Uh huh," Tally agreed, somewhat mindlessly. Her head was elsewhere, trying to come back from wherever that orgasm sent her. She briefly wondered if she'd ascended for a moment.
Sarah chuckled against her neck, kissing it sweetly. "I don't believe so, my love."
"Fuck that was…fuck," Tally mumbled. Her hands rubbed up and down Sarah's back, enjoying the feel of her skin to skin.
"Mhmm," Alder murmured as she captured Tally's lips in a loving kiss.
When they broke for air, Tally licked her lips and grinned. "That was seriously amazing. We need to try so many positions."
Sarah laughed as she regarded her songmate. "I am more than happy to do that."
"Thank the Goddess." Tally chuckled and kissed Sarah sweetly. "I love you. So so much."
Sarah's eyes softened drastically as she caressed Tally's face. "I love you too, Tally."
They kissed languidly, content to bask in their post-orgasmic bliss together.
Sarah finally broke the kiss so that she could pull out and remove the strap from herself. It was going to need a very thorough cleaning. When she finally had, she felt her arousal stir again at the sight of the toy sliding from Tally—strings of wetness following.
She practically growled at the sight, and Tally grinned—closing her legs and hopping off the bed before Sarah could grab her and have her way with her again.
They cleaned up, readied themselves for bed, and crawled back in to cuddle up with each other.
"Three days' time, Sarah," President Wade firmly stated over the phone.
The General's nose crinkled in a snarl at the directive. She steeled herself, answering calmly, "Madam President, if you could afford me a few more days I feel confident that Nicte will give us something on the Spree."
Nicte already had. She'd met with Petra a few times now, sharing information for Petra to verify as accurate before accepting the intel. Nicte was committed to the plan—fake her execution—including announcing to the world that one of the top Spree leaders was now dead.
Well, who they thought would be the Spree leader. Her face would be different, signaling to the Spree that it wasn't true. She'd already spoken with Scylla, giving her and Anacostia information to have delivered to the Spree cells that they would be working in tandem with the army to wipe the Camarilla from the earth once and for all.
Sarah had told Nicte that once the Camarilla were handled, she and Nicte might be able to bury the hatchet. She was growing tired of all the fighting. Especially fighting her own kind. She had looked into a way to undo the accords…a hundred or so years ago. Each time she thought they were achieving peace, they were only moving on to another threat—again and again and again.
She never succeeded in finding a way to break the accords. Of course they could be repealed by the President. But that only took care of the legality. They were also bound magically, which was the reason they couldn't just undo them…there was no known way. She stood by her decision, but after seeing so much death follow so many witches…she didn't just want Fort Salem to be a safe place for witches, but everywhere else too. Where witches would enlist if they so choose…not because they were forced to. And if she couldn't repeal the accords, perhaps a possible peace with the Spree could at least do some good.
"Three days, Sarah. That is all," Wade reiterated dismissively.
Then the line went dead and Sarah's jaw hardened. She could hear the clap of thunder overhead as she led her biddies from her office. She needed to speak to her generals immediately.
"Amber, get word to General Bellweather, General Clary, Izadora, Captain Quartermaine, and Major Verger to meet me in the War Room immediately," General Alder ordered as she walked by her secretary, leading her biddies toward the training room.
She was supposed to lead the combat class today, but had received a last minute call from Wade. Which had led to a discussion about where and when Nicte's execution would take place, and how she would be disposed of.
They reached the training room quickly, and Alder entered.
"CO on deck!" M yelled out.
"At ease," Alder said with a shake of her head. "M, Shellbark, Craven, Collar, Bellweather, with me—now. The rest of you, dismissed."
They quickly grabbed their belongings, following Alder and her biddies from the room.
"What's going on?" Tally asked, falling in step next to Sarah.
Sarah reached down, taking Tally's hand with her own and threading their fingers together. "She's giving me three days, and then Nicte must be executed."
"That's so little time!" Tally replied through the bond, shocked at such a short timeline.
Sarah nodded, a grimace on her face. She nodded for one of her biddies to fall back and bring M and Gregorio up to speed.
They reached the War Room not long after, all of them taking seats around the table as everyone arrived.
"General," Petra greeted. Her brow was furrowed with concern as she took in the clearly irritated expression on Sarah's face.
"Present Wade has ordered Nicte's execution in three days' time."
The room fell eerily silent.
"Are we prepared to do this in three days?" Collar spoke up uncertainly.
General Alder sighed, eyes glancing at her and Tally's entwined hands on top of the table. "We don't have much of a choice, I'm afraid. I tried to ask for more time but…" she trailed off.
"One of the bays will work as the place for the execution," General Clary noted.
"Nicte's given us good intelligence, moving her execution up frees her sooner…which means she can be of assistance physically," Petra added. "We can make this work."
"We don't have a choice," Alder murmured irritably. "We've discussed announcing Captain Quartermaine's promotion for this moment. I believe there have also been three other notable promotions?"
At General Clary and Bellweather's nods, Alder tapped her fingers on the table.
"President Wade will want to acknowledge these promotions as if they were part of her doing, no doubt. That will buy us time as well," Alder mused aloud.
"How are we going to fake the execution though?" Tally asked. "Everyone there will see we didn't actually kill Nicte."
"Nicte has a solution," Petra chimed in. "We give her access to seed boxes so that she can imbue them with the proper work."
"Making everyone see the same thing," Tally finished with realization. "That could work."
"Indeed," Alder concurred, pleased. "A crowd that large will require multiple people opening these boxes though."
"We need to also protect our ears, there won't be a way to avoid the sound otherwise," General Clary noted.
Alder nodded her agreement. "Magda, see to it that Nicte is supplied with as many boxes as she feels she needs."
"Are we sure we can trust her?" Abigail questioned seriously.
Alder nodded tersely. "We will have a test box for her to make sure that the seed is effective and does what it is supposed to do. Then she can fill the others." Her eyes turned to the members of Sekhmet. "I'll need each of you to open the boxes from different points in the bay so it covers everyone."
"Of course, General," M answered immediately.
"Once we've faked her death…then what?" Tally asked.
Sarah sighed heavily. "We free her. She remains on base and has to wear a collar. We have smaller ones that are more inconspicuous. I'll ward it myself so that I'm the only one that can remove it. With her free on the base she can assist Petra better, as well as aid in making contact with any other Spree leaders and their cells."
Tally nodded. She was nervous about Nicte being free, but at Sarah's hand squeezing her own reassuringly, she felt a little better.
"General Clary," Alder began, "what's the status on locating Camarilla bases?"
"We've managed to locate two so far. Both within the state," General Clary responded. She stood and walked to the map on the far wall, circling both points.
"They aren't far," Alder growled. "Are they active?"
Clary pointed to the farthest one. "We've noticed ample coming and going from this location, the other though has been quiet."
"Have you assembled your strike teams?"
"I have, General," Clary responded, nodding and glancing to Petra.
Alder looked to Petra then. "What news?"
"Building has been under ownership of an exarch, the same one that Quartermaine and Ramshorn bested. No one has entered or left this one in a few weeks," Petra answered. She pulled out some images and slid them across the table for Sarah to see.
Alder looked them over. It was quiet…likely a warehouse of sorts for them now. She nodded to herself. "Any possibility we can get a strike team to check it out?"
"I can have them readied within two hours," Clary answered.
"Get them ready. This is recon only to start. We need to make sure that it is in fact empty of Camarilla members…and if it is a warehouse, then we need to destroy it immediately," Alder ordered. "What of the other location?"
"Frequent coming and goings—under the same ownership as the other. This one we believe to be an active base."
"Can we have another strike team ready to check out this location?"
"We can," Petra spoke up.
"See to it then."
"Understood." Clary took a few steps away to give the order through farspeech.
"In the meantime, Petra, I want you to let Nicte know what is happening. Bring her up to speed and take a seed box with you. I'll not be behind long. Nicte and I can discuss what the hallucination should be."
"Do you want me to come with you?" Tally asked through the bond. She lifted Sarah's hand to her lips, kissing it softly and relishing in the affectionate sigh it pulled from Alder's lips.
Sarah met her gaze and nodded. She looked back at Clary. "Make the preparations and we reconvene at 1500 to monitor," Alder finished as she stood from her seat. "Tally is going to accompany Petra and I to see Nicte, the rest of you go about your day until the reconvening time. I want you all here to watch this as well."
"Yes, General," came the resounding reply from Sekhmet.
"Dismissed." Sarah turned, leading her group from the room with Petra in tow behind the biddies.
"You're nervous," Tally thought pointedly.
Sarah sighed, nodding slightly. "The Camarilla having two locations so near to us…and I didn't even know…I was so focused on the Spree that I failed to see their encroachment. I feel like I failed."
The admission caught Tally by surprise. "Hey," she called softly, halting their steps in the middle of the hallway so she could cup Sarah's face in her hands. She didn't give a rats ass that others in the hall had become interested, catching a glance of the now infamous couple.
Sarah turned her head into one of Tally's palms, kissing it. "How can I not have failed, Tally? They're so near…right under my nose. Goddess knows how long those bases have been there. I've been so blinded."
"Maybe so," Tally replied. She stroked Sarah's cheeks. "But you haven't failed. Even the Spree weren't aware it was the Camarilla until recently. Everyone missed it because everyone thought them eradicated."
"But I shouldn't have," Sarah said aloud, voice stern.
"You need to be gentler with yourself," Tally told her seriously. "You're human, Sarah. You're not above it. It happens. The importance is that now, you're taking action." Tally stepped in closer so their foreheads could touch. "You're willing to commit treason to spare a Spree founder's life so that you can join forces to take down the Camarilla. If that doesn't say growth and change…" she trailed off.
Sarah released a shaky breath against Tally's lips. "What would I do without you, my darling?"
"Lucky for you, you won't have to find out," Tally replied before she captured Sarah's lips.
It was slow and careful, simply basking in the feeling and contentment of it.
"I really love that I can kiss you whenever and wherever I want," Tally thought as she pulled back and smirked against Sarah.
Alder released a laugh and sighed, her hands rising to stroke Tally's cheek lovingly—her thumb trailing over her dimple.
"I as well, my love." Sarah placed one more kiss to her lips before taking her hand and leading them the rest of the way to the holding cells.
She noticed that Petra was no longer with them, and assumed she had continued on ahead to prep Nicte while they shared their moment.
"I can't believe you're willing to commit treason to bust my ass out," Nicte said as soon as Sarah and Tally stepped through the door to the holding cells. "Took you long enough to come and see me about it."
Alder smirked as they approached. "The enemy of my enemy is my friend, Nicte."
Nicte returned the smirk. "It's going to be fun fighting alongside you again. I'll admit to that."
"As long as your scourge is wrapped around our enemies throat, you'll hear no complaints from me," Alder replied smoothly.
"Howdy, Red," Nicte greeted Tally.
"Nicte." Tally gave her a nod.
"Has Petra brought you up to speed?" Sarah asked.
"She's told me about the seed boxes. I can manage that. It'll take a little time and I'll need some specifics from you of what you want them to see."
"Very well," Alder replied as she traced a sigil over the lock, allowing the cell door to swing open. She stepped inside and held out her hand.
Nicte's eyebrows shot high. "You want me to link with you?"
Alder chuckled. "Don't worry Nicte, I'll not drive you insane."
Tally shot Petra a look, who met her gaze with a tilt of her head—as if saying, 'it's happened to other people.'
"I thought you'd be more worried about me driving you insane," Nicte retorted. "You of all people know how easy it is for me to burn you from the inside out."
Alder's face remained stoic. "Our fight is not against each other right now. Our fight is with the Camarilla, and as remise as I am to admit it—we need you and the Spree."
When Nicte accepted the hand offered, Alder pulled her in and showed her exactly how she wanted the events to go—what she wanted everyone in attendance, aside from the select few, to see.
When it ended, Alder released her hand and stepped back and out of the cell as Petra approached with a seed box. She handed it to Nicte and moved to unlock the collar around her neck.
The Spree leader cracked her neck, rolling it around and sighing with relief.
"Okay, I have just the thing," she told them before she began.
The seeds were crude and rough, setting Tally's teeth on edge as Nicte worked. When she finished, she shut the lid and passed the box back to Petra.
"Give that a try on a tester."
Alder plucked the box from Petra and turned away, heading back toward the exit door with a silent request that they remain where they were.
She exited the room, then made her way through another door that led her to Michelle's cell.
"Michelle," Sarah addressed, drawing the young woman's gaze. "I'd like you to open this box, and when it is finished and I close it I need you to allow me to link with you so I can see exactly what you saw. This is Nicte's work. It is merely a hallucination, nothing dangerous." She held the box up.
Michelle remained silent, soaking in the information before giving a nod. Despite her knowing there was a very real possibility that Sarah would just end her…she accepted as she realized her odds weren't great no matter what.
Alder traced a sigil on the lock, allowing the door to swing open. She handed Michelle the box before she hummed a low seed to block herself from hearing any of the sound. When she was ready, she gave a nod.
The box opened—Michelle's eyes becoming glazed over, clearly elsewhere. Sarah had no idea how long this would last for…so she waited patiently, her hands clasped behind her back.
When Michelle's eyes seemed to begin to clear a little, Alder stepped back in the cell and closed the seed box. She hummed again, her hearing returning.
"Let me in," she ordered, placing her hand on Michelle's shoulder.
She watched as she saw herself deliver three blows to a woman she didn't recognize—one for the head, one for the heart, one for the soul.
The vision faded out and she dropped her hand to end the link.
"Well done," she said to Michelle. She turned on her heel and exited, reworking the sigil and locking the cell.
Michelle watched her go, knowing better than to ask why Alder had asked that of her.
When Sarah returned to the other cell, Tally turned immediately to meet her eyes—silently asking if she was okay.
She gave a short nod. "It worked well, Batan, good work."
Nicte grinned triumphantly. "You didn't think I would half-ass my own execution did you?"
Alder couldn't help but chuckle. "I would expect nothing less."
"How many boxes do you think you'll need to make sure everyone sees this?" Petra asked.
Nicte thought a moment. "At least seven. Since you want to convince the President the most, there should be one opened near her. Then three on each side of the bay should be enough to make sure the sound reaches everyone."
Alder nodded. "I'll have Major Verger bring more then."
"All I need before I fill them is the face I'll be wearing for it. After that, all yours." Nicte leaned back in her chair. "So. Once I'm 'dead' what's the plan?"
"We let you out of your cell. You'll still be collared, but with one more discreet. I want you and Petra to work closely on gathering whatever information you can about the Camarilla and their locations."
"If the Spree and Army start attacking the bases, it won't take long for them to realize that we're working together," Nicte supplied, her brow furrowing.
Sarah nodded. "Which is why I am insisting that the Army take care of the active bases. Any warehouses that they have. I want whatever supplies, munitions…cords…destroyed. I also want them armed…"
A cruel smirk graced Nicte's face. "You want the Spree to booby trap the warehouses."
Alder nodded. "Any members that enter will trip the wires…I want multiple traps in the warehouses so that any Camarilla members that enter will be pushed and end themselves. Your cells shouldn't have too much trouble there."
"That'll still alert them," Nicte pointed out.
"Yes, but it will be enough to buy us more time." Alder grimaced. "The war with them…hundreds of years…it's taken so long and I know that this war with them will not be so easily won. Eventually they will realize our joined forces, but I am hoping that we will have killed enough exarchs before that."
"Playing the long game as usual, Sarah," Nicte commented with a chuckle.
"Once you're dead, I'll have Petra set you up in your own quarters. You'll have a security detail as well."
"Don't trust me to be on my best behavior?" Nicte questioned with a scoff.
"Not yet," Alder replied. "Perhaps one day."
Nicte watched her curiously before humming and nodding in acknowledgment.
Sarah nodded to Petra before she turned and guided Tally from the room to reconvene with her biddies.
"You okay?" Tally asked once the door locked behind them.
Alder exhaled. "I have no idea. Trusting Nicte even a small amount doesn't sit right with me. But I don't see much of a choice."
Tally wrapped her arms around her—brown eyes searching brilliant blue. "No, we don't. But since this is what we have to work with, making the most of it is what we have to do." She cupped Sarah's cheek, smiling as the older woman pressed into her hand. "I'm with you every step."
Sarah sighed—one of deep affection and gratitude. She pressed her forehead to Tally's. "I love you."
"I love you too," Tally replied with a bright smile. "I don't think I'll ever get tired of hearing that."
"Good," Sarah quipped. "Because there won't be a day that passes where I won't utter it."
Tally blushed as she leaned in to kiss Sarah sweetly. When they parted, Tally stroked her cheek. "Perfect, because there won't be a day that passes where I won't want to hear it…and say it back to you."
Sarah chuckled as she reached down to thread their fingers together before leading the women from the room.
"I believe you have a one on one session with Magda, correct?" Sarah asked as they walked.
Tally nodded, giving Sarah's hand a squeeze. "And you have a one on one with Raelle."
Sarah chuckled. "I don't believe she is going to like what I have in store."
Tally nodded her agreement, a smile gracing her face and pushing her dimples to prominence.
"I will see you in the War Room at 1500," Sarah told her, turning on her feet to place both of her hands on Tally's waist. "If you need anything—"
"I know," Tally interrupted softly. She leaned in, kissing Sarah's lips sweetly. "I'll see you in a few hours."
They kissed once more before Tally skirted off, leaving Sarah staring after her with a gentle gaze.
She headed the opposite direction, leading her biddies outside and toward the oldest tree on the base. The tree that marked the place where her entire coven had been slaughtered by the Camarilla, and the one that she and Tally had managed to uproot with their storm.
Collar was already there, looking up at the tree with a thoughtful expression on her face.
"It feels different seeing this tree now, doesn't it?" Alder asked as she approached.
Raelle nodded. "It's just…I…"
"I know," Sarah answered quietly. "Sit, we have much to do."
"What are we doing exactly?" she asked as they both sat down against the tree.
"Meditating," Sarah replied easily.
Raelle groaned.
"I know, not what you were expecting. But you allow your feelings to overrule your power, instead of allowing them to enhance them. Why do you think I am so capable in my Work?"
"I just figured it's because you're old," Collar retorted with a smirk.
Alder chuckled. "Fair. However, it's because I use my emotions to boost my power. Think of it as two streams of energy, coiling around each other to expand. That is what you need to master—instead of allowing Her or your emotions to be the one controlling the other. You want harmony."
"How is meditating going to help?"
"You need to address your emotions," she told her simply. "You need to know and understand how you truly feel, first. Once you have understood that, you can master them instead of allowing them to take over and consume you, which is what happens when She takes over. She has to compensate for you."
Raelle nodded.
Sarah crossed her legs, and tilted her head back to rest against the trunk of the tree. "Follow my lead."
Raelle followed suit, closing her eyes and resting her head against the tree.
"Now," Sarah began, her voice soft. "Focus on your breathing until everything else fades away but that. You'll still have thoughts fly through your head but that is okay. Acknowledge them and let them pass."
After a few minutes of silence, she could feel Raelle relax considerably next to her, and she spoke once more with a gentle tone.
"Now, think of Her. How does the power make you feel? Allow those feelings to surface, but not overwhelm you. You must address each of them, and understand why it affects you so. Acknowledge them, understand them, and allow them to merge with your power. Let them light a fire in your belly."
She felt Raelle tense slightly before relaxing once more.
Then Sarah could feel it beneath them. There was an unmistakable spark of power below.
"Do you feel Her?" Sarah inquired, her own eyes still closed as she dug her fingers into the dirt.
Raelle nodded.
"Touch the ground, let it center you. Then, follow it down until you find Her. Let Her in. You need to accept Her."
She could feel Her as well. Just below the surface. She could feel the power moving toward them until it brushed against her own hand. The power was unmistakable, but the feeling was one of warmth and comfort.
"There She is," Alder whispered.
Raelle released a shaky breath, and Alder could feel the shift around them. The power exuding from Raelle was intense, and she felt the girl stiffen beside her.
"No," she urged quickly. "Relax, Collar. She isn't going to hurt you."
Raelle did her best, calming slightly.
"There's just so much," Raelle murmured.
"Yes, and She is offering it to you. Reach out your hand to Her, pull Her into you like you would a lover."
When Raelle did as asked, she gasped sharply and Sarah shivered with the intensity of the power around them. She opened her eyes, glancing at Raelle and smiling proudly when she saw the Mycelium spores floating around her.
"Good, Raelle," she praised. "Now, I want you to sing." She pulled a tuning fork from her jacket pocket. "Match it." She struck the fork, the sound reverberating around them.
When Raelle did, the spores responded in kind. Working with Raelle instead of separating from her.
"Good, sustain it," Alder encouraged.
She had Raelle hold it for as long as she was able, before telling her to relax and release Her.
"Gently pull yourself away. Feel the separation of the joining, knowing that you are yourself again, but that She is always there for you to gather."
With a last slow breath, the spores faded around them, and Sarah could feel Her recede back into the ground.
Raelle's eyes blinked open, focusing on her after a few moments.
"How did that feel?"
Raelle shook her head. "Incredibly powerful…but calm. Nothing like the past times."
"Good." Alder smiled. "Well done."